What Are Baseball Turf Shoes | For This Season

posted on September 16, 2019

Every good sportsperson knows that the right shoes make all the difference when you are on the field. Good traction and good support make all the difference when you are playing, and that is what are baseball turf shoes for.

Baseball turf shoes are shoes specifically designed for use on the diamond, giving you the needed support so that you can be your best when playing, regardless of the position. In this article, we will look at how baseball turf shoes have been optimized for the diamond and what you need to know to purchase the best turf shoes for you.

What Exactly Are Turf Shoes for Baseball?

There are many different types of baseball cleats. The most common footwear for the diamond is often cleats. Metal cleats have been famous because they provide great traction for the diamond, enabling players to remain steady when standing and run quickly.

However, metal cleats are not good for artificial turfs. Artificial turfs are shallow, and the metallic cleats do not dig deep enough to provide proper traction. Artificial turfs are also expensive, and the holes created by metallic cleats are detrimental to the turf.

Turf shoes are great for use on artificial turfs, whether when training or playing. Turf shoes have rubber tread patterns that provide great traction, especially on artificial turf. Some turf shoes have round grips in place of treads.

A player can perform different maneuvers on the diamond without worrying about falling or injury. The treads on turf shoes do not dig too much into the turf, which means that the turf will also be protected from damage. They are also great for use on dry grass.

What to Look for in Baseball Turf Shoes

Here are a few basics to look for when in the market for a good turf shoe:

Tread pattern

Size and fit

Shoe height

Material

Weight

Style

Cost

Brand

Tread Pattern

A good turf shoe has a tread pattern that provides maximum traction even in wet conditions while preventing sticking, which could lead to falling. There are two tread patters: close-knit treads that run through the width of the shoe with little space between them. These are great to prevent slipping. There are also shoes with treads that are dotted with rubber spikes. These give a good feel and grip on the turf.

Size and Fit

Your turf shoes should fit your feet perfectly. You want a shoe that provides room for toe movement without being too loose. You should have enough room to run comfortably and so consider the ability of the shoe to handle your weight comfortably when you run. Since you are going to play in socks, you should try on different sizes of shoes while wearing the socks you wear when playing. This way, you will get the right fit for your turf shoes for maximum comfort and performance.

Shoe Height

Baseball turf shoes come in two varieties: mid-top and low-top shoes. Low-top designs are good for players who want shoes that offer them more movement on the diamond. They provide minimum obstruction and great support for this purpose. Mid-top designs are for players who are looking for more ankle support. This may be a result of a previous injury or to prevent future injury.

Shoe Material

Good shoe material is one that will help the shoe last for a long time. Baseball turf shoes come in different materials, but the most durable is leather. Leather will remain strong through any weather and will last you a long time without wearing out. If you do not like leather, whether for ethical reasons or personal preferences, you should look for shoes made from synthetic leather as these provide as much wear as leather shoes.

Weight

You do not want a shoe that drags you down when on the diamond. Your shoe should offer support, not be a hindrance. As such, you need a good quality lightweight shoe that will keep you comfortable and fast on the diamond. Most turf shoes are lightweight because they are made out of rubber, unlike metallic cleats.

Style

Last but not least, your turf shoes should be stylish enough to be fit for wearing even when you are off the diamond. While you will primarily wear them when practicing or playing, your shoes should be fit to wear even after you stop using them for playing. A classy, timeless design is always in style, giving you confidence, whether on or off the field.

Cost

Your turf shoes are an investment, and as such, you want to make the best decision for your investment to be worth it. Do not give up on quality looking to save up on money as this will end up costing you in the long run. Remember, cheap is expensive. This does not mean you should go for overpriced shoes; there are many options out there that give the right balance between cost and quality.

Brand

There are many brands of turf shoes out there one may be spoilt for choice. When looking for the best turf shoe, you want to think of your favorite sports shoe brand, whether it is Nike, New Balance, Adidas, or less famous brands. More developed brands have a better reputation for producing good quality shoes, but if you follow the markers outlined so you can get a good turf shoe from even independent brands.

In Conclusion

Turf shoes are the go-to shoes for baseball players who want great quality and comfort when playing on the diamond. They are best suited for playing on artificial turfs since they provide great traction on the turf, protecting both it and you. They are also suitable for use on dry grass on actual fields. There are a variety of options available in the market, and if you follow the markers provided above, you are sure to find a shoe that gives you comfort when you play, ensuring that you deliver the best performance every time.